Neuro-Ophthalmology

Treating neurological vision problems at Scripps in San Diego

Scripps has the most experienced neuro-ophthalmological team in San Diego. Our philosophy is to carefully examine each patient, determine whether the eye issue is neurological or ophthalmological and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Scripps offers the widest range of referral options, including traditional ophthalmologists, neurologists, neurologists, headache specialists and others who can help each patient overcome their specific condition.

What is neuro-ophthalmology?

Some vision disorders, such as cataracts and glaucoma, originate in the eye. Unfortunately, vision issues may also stem from an underlying neurological condition. Rather than being caused by a defect in the lens or retina, the problem may originate in the brain.

Neuro-ophthalmology looks at both, combining neurology and ophthalmology to find the underlying conditions that can cause many vision issues.

Our medical team

Because the brain and eyes are so complex, neuro-ophthalmological conditions require a seasoned diagnostician who can examine a patient’s history, symptoms, test results and other information to arrive at a precise diagnosis.

Regardless of whether your vision problems originate in the brain or the eye, a Scripps neuro-ophthalmologist can help find the root cause and work with other specialists in neurology, ophthalmology, rheumatology and other specialties to develop an effective treatment plan.

Causes and symptoms of neurological vision problems

In some cases, the underlying brain condition that may be causing a vision disorder has already been diagnosed. For patients whose vision issues stem from a stroke, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, thyroid condition, myasthenia gravis or a rheumatological disorder, our neuro-ophthalmology team can provide treatment options to relieve many symptoms.

However, sometimes the underlying condition is not apparent. In those cases, the neuro-ophthalmologist must work backwards from the patient’s symptoms and diagnostic tests to determine the cause. There are a variety of symptoms that may have neurological origins, including:

Double vision

Episodic loss of vision

Droopy eyelid

Enlarged pupil

Eye pain

Hallucinations

Vision problems associated with migraines

Diagnosing and treating neurological vision problems

Each patient and each neurological vision problem is highly unique and requires a personalized, compassionate approach to neuro-ophthalmologic care. Scripps physicians can provide advanced diagnostic technology and comprehensive treatment options.